Do I need prior sailing experience for the ASA 114 course?

Yes, this course requires completion of ASA 101, 103, and 104 or equivalent sailing experience.

What size catamarans are used for the course?

Students sail cruising catamarans ranging from 30 to 45 feet in length.

Is overnight accommodation provided on the boat?

Yes, the course includes a 1-night liveaboard experience aboard the catamaran.

Are study materials included with the course?

Yes, the Cruising Catamarans Made Easy textbook is included and available for pickup or shipping.

What should I wear during the course?

Layered, waterproof clothing and non-slip footwear are recommended to handle variable weather and deck conditions.

Can I tip my instructor?

Tipping is appreciated but not required; typical tips range from 10% to 20% of the course cost.

Sailing ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran with Seattle Sailing Club | Boat Tour | Water Activities

Seattle’s inland waters offer a dynamic setting for learning to sail a cruising catamaran, and the Seattle Sailing Club has crafted an immersive 2-day liveaboard course that turns aspiring sailors into confident skippers. Operating out of Seattle, Washington, a city known for its iconic Puget Sound and rugged shoreline, this course marries technical instruction with hands-on experience aboard 30’ to 45’ cruising catamarans.

The journey begins at 9 a.m. on Day 1 with expert-led lessons covering everything from catamaran terminology and boat systems to heavy weather handling and emergency procedures. Unlike traditional keelboats, catamarans boast unique features — twin hulls provide stability and different maneuvering demands that this course addresses in full. Participants get to practice reefing, sail trim, docking under power, anchoring, and more while navigating the protected waterways of Puget Sound. The comprehensive Cruising Catamarans Made Easy textbook, included with enrollment, deepens understanding and prepares students for real-world scenarios.

Seattle Sailing Club stands apart by combining community-driven education with access to some of the Northwest’s most navigable and scenic waters. Its instructors bring years of sailing expertise and emphasize safety and seamanship, making the experience ideal for students who have completed prerequisite ASA certifications and want to level up their skills.

Beyond the classroom on the water, Seattle’s maritime heritage enriches the experience. From historic shipyards to bustling marinas, the region reflects a longstanding connection to seafaring lifestyles. This course is an opportunity not just to learn sailing but to immerse yourself in a vibrant boating culture set amidst fir-covered shorelines and marine wildlife.

By course end, participants will have logged critical hours and gained confidence handling a powerful and agile vessel, ready to charter or cruise independently. Whether you’re investing in a new skill or pursuing a passion for the sea, Seattle Sailing Club’s ASA 114 course merges education, adventure, and the unmatched beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s inland seas.

About Seattle Sailing Club

Seattle Sailing Club is a community-focused sailing organization in the Puget Sound region that offers instructional courses, on-water clinics, racing programs, and social events for sailors of all levels. The club organizes American Sailing Association (ASA) courses—ranging from beginner certifications to instructor qualification programs—alongside skill-building clinics such as on‑the‑water practice sessions, racing clinics, and navigation seminars.

Specialized offerings include women’s programs, LGBTQ+ programs, Sistership Sails, and targeted clinics for spinnaker and racing techniques. The club operates structured classroom learning combined with hands-on training; for example, the ASA 103 course is a 21-hour program that blends classroom instruction with practical sailing experience. Several events and advanced classes run on waitlists when capacity is reached, giving interested sailors the opportunity to join if spaces open.

Sailfest and casual racing clinics emphasize community, inclusivity, and relaxed competition, while race clinics and skipper-level training focus on The Racing Rules of Sailing, tactics, and onboard communication. Seattle Sailing Club supports aspiring instructors through ASA-affiliated Instructor Qualification Courses and provides seminars on navigation, engine troubleshooting, and advanced sail handling. Safety, certified curriculum standards, and peer mentorship underpin the club’s offerings.

The club’s programs combine measurable training milestones, small-group instruction, and organized graduation sails to ensure clear progression for learners. Whether seeking certification, competitive racing experience, or inclusive community sails, Seattle Sailing Club provides accessible, structured, and trustworthy sailing education and social opportunities on Puget Sound. Instructors follow ASA standards, events welcome newcomers and experienced sailors, and waitlist notifications are sent when openings occur throughout the season.